SWEDELINK Newsletter Winter 2023
HEJ!
Read the newsletter with links here: https://www.swedishchamber.com.au/?na=view&id=20
Read the newsletter with links here: https://www.swedishchamber.com.au/?na=view&id=20
Dear Members,
The Swedish Australian Chamber of Commerce (SACC) is committed to always create meaningful, relevant, and high quality added value for all members.
The past year featured many high quality and rewarding seminars, topic focused meetings, Executive forums, CEO talks, a two-day Swedish Australian Innovation, Technology and Design Summit, mentorship program and many social networking events.
During the pandemic we quickly adapted our event agenda, reached out and connected to other chambers, created special online content and in the executive board we decided to freeze the membership fees on 2017 levels and put membership engagement front and centre.
Post pandemic the world around us has changed – energy and raw materials are more costly; interest rates are higher and inflation pressure is all around us. To arrange, organise and execute business and social events has also become much more expensive than previous years.
To secure continuous high quality membership content, events, seminars and benefits we will un-freeze our long-standing membership fee structure and adapt a new pricing & benefit structure that is reflecting the new reality.
In preparation we have done market research and benchmarked ourselves with other chambers, both in Australia and Asia Pacific region. We are confident that our new membership fee structure is competitive and offers the best high quality and value for money compared to any other chambers. Please find the new membership fee structure, benefits and annual fees presented here. The new membership rates will be active from 1 August 2023.
Please contact us for any further details on sacc@swedishchamber.com.au.
Yours Sincerely,
The Board
Swedish Australian Chamber of Commerce
Women’s World Cup (FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023™) – The world’s largest female sports event has kicked off in New Zealand!
Swedes in Sydney are gathering for a supportive Sing-Along performance in Darling Harbour on 2 August!
The Swedish School in Sydney together with the Swedish Community in Sydney is in search of shower chanters, nightingales, Eurovision fans, Abba-enthusiasts and/or soccer fans to participate.
The Swedish Consulate received a request to participate in the FIFA Fan Festival™ in Sydney and has reached out to the Swedish School in Sydney for help in organising an event. Of course, the Swedish School in Sydney, with the support of the Swedish community in Sydney and the Swedish schools in Australia, wants to support the world’s largest female sports event!
We have been asked to perform (10 minutes) with something cultural, and our plan is to organise a ‘Sing-along in Darling Harbour’. The Vikings were reported howling while singing, one could easily say that this is in our genes. Therefore, the school and all Swedish associations in Sydney are now searching far and wide for all shower chanters, nightingales, Eurovision fans and Abba-enthusiast to participate in the ‘Sing-along in Darling Harbour’. Practice “Dancing Queen” by ABBA to perfection. However, at the FIFA Fan Festival™, there will be big screens displaying the song lyrics, similar to a typical sing-along session at Skansen.
How much we will perform, is unclear. It depends a lot on how the Swedish team performs and how they progress. We have been asked to come and perform on August 2nd at 5:55 pm (assembly before 5 pm, when the game starts). If we behave ourselves and the Swedish national team performs well, we might be invited on August 6th and 20th, mark those dates in your calendar as well.
Please note: The Swedish School in Sydney has NOT been allocated any match tickets and participating parents are responsible for their child/children during the event.
When: 2 August at 5.55 pm (assembly at 5.00 pm before the game starts)
Where: Darling Harbour, more details to be advised
Attire: Blue and Yellow and/or Eurovision Song Contest (Mello)
Thank you for supporting Sweden in the world’s largest female sports event!
The Swedish School in Sydney
Find out more about the world cup in Au and NZ here: Women’s World Cup (FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023™)
“The best is yet to come in the strong trade relationship between Sweden and Australia.”, a positive message by Johan Forssell, Minister for International Development Cooperation and Foreign Trade at an event in conjunction with the European Australian Business Council’s (EABC) Business Mission to Europe 2023 on 29-30 June in Stockholm.
The Swedish Australian Chamber of Commerce was delighted by the invitation to take part in the Stockholm program and was represented by SACC Board Directors Camilla Bullock and Carl Wallberg.
The 2 days included meetings, company visits and talks by impressive Swedish industry leaders and business icons such as Jacob Wallenberg, Marcus Wallenberg, Helene Hedblom, CEO at Epiroc and Anders Carp, CEO at Saab, all sharing insight to the commitment to the Australia-Sweden growing business and expanding bilateral relationships.
European Australian Business Council Business Mission to Europe 2023 Stockholm
Summary Day 1 – 29 June
“There is potential for so much more,” echoed from all the prominent speakers during the first day of the Swedish leg of the EABC trade mission.
Ambassador Bernard Philip, Austrade Briefing by Trade and Investment, did a great job describing the building blocks on which the more than 190-year-old trade relationship is built. It’s a relationship between like-minded countries that believe in open trade and long-term relationships built on trust.
Johan Forssell, Minister for Trade and International Development, started off his speech with some well-prepared notes but soon put down the prompt and spoke freely about current situations in Sweden and Europe, including the challenge of the ongoing Russia Crisis and the cost of living crisis. Mr Forssell highlighted how the EU has come together like never before, and other trading partners with shared values are also working closer together to build a strong and prosperous power through trade.
There were three themes that recurred throughout the day:
“If you are small, you have to be generous with your technology” was one of the comments from Anders Carp CEO of Saab talking about Saab’s substantial productions in Australia that can also be compared to Cochlear’s productions in Sweden.
Johan Forssell, without giving any more details shared that this month, the biggest contract in history in any sector was signed between Australia and Sweden making his parting words ring true:
“The best is yet to come in the strong trade relationship between Sweden and Australia.”
Summary Day 2 – 30 June
The second day of the conference began with a breakfast discussion on economic, trade, and industrial policies in Sweden. Dr. Anna Breman, First Deputy Governor of the Swedish Riksbank, provided insights into the Monetary Policy in June 2023. Key points highlighted during the discussion included a 0.25 percentage point increase in the policy rate to reach 3.75 percent, the forecast of further rate hikes, and the accelerated pace of government bond sales. The primary focus of Sweden’s monetary policy is to drive the Consumer Price Index with a Fixed Interest Rate (CPIF) back to 2% to reduce inflation and maintain price stability.
Dr. Breman emphasized the commitment of the Monetary Policy to take timely measures to curb inflation, considering the current state of the Swedish economy. The economy is experiencing a slowdown after the post-pandemic rebound, with weak domestic demand but strong export performance. The pace and intensity of future monetary policy tightening will be determined by future development and its impact on the economic outlook and inflation.
The morning session continued with a discussion of Swedish trade, with a particular focus on trade opportunities between Sweden and Australia. Henrik Isakson, Director for Trade Policy at the Confederation of Swedish Enterprise, expressed optimism about the strong trade relationship between the two countries. The discussion then shifted to the new political framework and how Sweden can leverage it in the context of the green transition. Key elements included subordinating trade policy to the Green Deal and broader sustainability agenda, addressing deforestation and forced labor, and promoting a circular economy.
The conference attendees visited KTH Royal Institute of Technology, where discussions revolved around Sweden’s green transition. Northvolt, a prominent company, shared insights on the topic of batteries and electrification. Scania Group also provided their opinion on how they are adapting to battery driven technology. Later, LKAB, the leading mining and minerals group, presented their efforts to form a completely new industry from mine waste, focusing on phosphorus for mineral fertilizers, rare earth elements for electric vehicles and wind turbines, and gypsum for construction.
SSAB, a steel company, discussed their plans to produce fossil-free steel and the potential for collaboration with Australia. Their transformation plan aims to save 4 million tons of CO2 per year by 2030 through the development of a fossil-free iron and steel making value chain using a hydrogen-based direct reduction process.
In the afternoon, Saab highlighted the importance of the strategic alliance with Australia, the value of having a Saab office in Australia, and the benefits of joining NATO for both countries. The day concluded at Ericsson, where insights were provided on how Ericsson has contributed to shaping Australia’s future in 5G technology. The role of mobile networks in enabling the mining industry with autonomous vehicles and enhancing safety was also discussed.
In conclusion, the conference served as a powerful platform to underscore the paramount importance of the trade relationship between Sweden and Australia. By showcasing the immense potential for future growth and cooperation, the event solidified the foundation for long-term collaboration in trade, green transition, and defence. The conference effectively highlighted the indispensable role of these sectors in fostering a mutually beneficial partnership between the two countries, setting the stage for a prosperous and sustainable future.
A big thank you to the European Australian Business Council (EABC), partners and industry representatives involved in the business mission.